Promoting circulation of blood

Abstract

This invention relates to a device for improving the circulation of blood and more particularly to a device for improving the circulation of blood to a patient's leg.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. Method of promoting circulation of blood through a leg which comprises: subjecting substantially the entire portion of the leg from thigh to foot to external pressure of compressed gas on the leg to improve circulation of blood through the arteries and veins in said portion; and periodically suddenly reducing the external pressure upon the arrival of the arterial pulse at said portion of the leg. 
     
     
       2. Apparatus for promoting circulation of blood through a leg which comprises: an enclosure for substantially the entire portion of the leg from thigh to foot; means for supplying compressed gas to said enclosure for pressure on the leg; means for interrupting the supply of compressed gas to said enclosure; means for venting gas from said enclosure; and means, responsive to action of the heart, for suddenly actuating said means for interrupting and said means for venting upon the arrival of the arterial pulse at the entry into said portion of the leg. 
     
     
       3. Method of promoting circulation of blood through a leg which comprises: subjecting substantially the entire portion of the leg from thigh to foot to external pressure following the entry of the arterial pulse into said portion of the leg, to improve circulation of blood through the arteries and veins in said portion; and periodically suddenly reducing the external pressure upon the arrival of the arterial pulse at said portion of the leg. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus for promoting circulation of blood through a leg which comprises: an enclosure for substantially the entire portion of the leg from thigh to foot; means for supplying compressed gas to said enclosure; means for interrupting the supply of compressed gas to said enclosure; means for venting gas from said enclosure; means for actuating said means for supplying compressed gas to said enclosure following the entry of the arterial pulse into said portion of the leg; and means responsive to action of the heart, for suddenly actuating said means for interrupting said means for venting upon the arrival of the arterial pulse at the entry into said portion of the leg.